Important Italian Glass: A Private Chicago Collection 23 May 2018 by Wright Auction

I M POR TA N T

I TA L I AN

glass a private chicago collection

E X H I B I T I O N New York 9 – 23 May 2018 11 am – 5 pm est AUCT ION Chicago 23 May noon cst

I M POR TA N T

I TA L I AN

glass a private chicago collection Curated by Sara Blumberg and Jim Oliveira

W 980 Madison Ave New York NY 212 585 0200

| 1440 W Hubbard St Chicago IL 312 563 0020

W R IGH T20 .COM

a private chicago collection americans in venice Sara Blumberg

This exceptional private collection offers a rare and comprehensive view

While researching the field and by connecting with the experts of the

of Murano glass from the 1950s and 60s. More specifically, it acts as a reflection

day, a story began to emerge of a fertile period for Murano defined by world

of an American couple’s passion for the exuberant design and culture of the

art, graphic design and above all else, color! The couple soon began to collect

postwar period. Inherent in the objects they collect and admire, the modernist

the works of Ercole Barovier and Dino Martens, both masters who approached

homes they respectfully inhabit and the art and music that inspire them,

the material in an equally artistic fashion but with completely different

is a passion for the optimism expressed in the heady postwar years.

temperaments. The works of Ercole Barovier appealed to the collectors for

In the early 1990s, while touring Italy for both work and pleasure, a chance encounter with a small guidebook led to a fortuitous visit to the Venini glassworks on the island of Murano. The guidebook suggested, in no uncertain terms, that tourists in Venice would benefit greatly if they bypassed the various

their graphic exuberance and technical proficiency—each work an experiment in the optical possibilities of color and the medium of glass itself. Dino Martens’ work was understood as another kind of brilliant experimentation; abstract art expressed in and pushing the boundaries of blown glass.

glass factories and headed straight to Venini. The collection thus began, first

With a masterful collection well underway, the decision was made to include

with the purchase of several contemporary pieces, and then with a passion

several important works by the American artist Thomas Stearns. While his

to learn about and collect works by the company’s most important designers

tenure at Venini spanned a brief two year period, Thomas Stearns’ work is now

of the 50s and 60s: Fulvio Bianconi, Paolo Venini, Tobia Scarpa, and the

understood to be some of the most unique and influential in the history of glass

outsider cum tour de force, Thomas Stearns.

making. With the acquisition of Stearns’ La Sentinella di Venezia, a masterwork of artistic expression and one of only two examples in existence, a crown of the greatest rarity was placed on this vibrant collection.

Works from the collection illustrated in situ. Photo by Julius Shulman and Juergen Nogai from the book Julius Shulman: Chicago Mid-Century Modernism

postwar murano glass, america and the evolution of the secondary market Jim Oliveira

This collection is unique. Composed entirely of postwar Murano glass,

the potential of the American market. In 1947 he hired the idiosyncratic graphic

it offers the rare opportunity to study a very specific historical period and

artist, illustrator and designer Fulvio Bianconi to create a new line of glass

body of work without distraction. To see the nearly encyclopedic progression

objects for the company. The first pieces Bianconi designed were influenced

of Fulvio Bianconi’s work for Venini present in this collection is a rare and

by caricature, whimsy and surrealism and included the well known Commedia

dynamic experience. When combined as it is with the best examples of work

dell’arte figures and the fantastic A Rete (netted) mermaid forms and vases.

by Ercole Barovier, Dino Martens and Thomas Stearns, a powerful vision

The famous Bikini vase was also designed during this period and demonstrated

of postwar Murano glass begins to emerge— the vivid colors and strong

Bianconi’s sensitivity to cutting-edge trends, as the bikini itself was a new

patterns influenced by American Abstract Expressionist painting, Op-Art and

concept, borrowed from islanders on the Bikini Atoll where nuclear devices

Madison Avenue allow us to feel the enthusiasm and optimism of the postwar

were tested in the 40s and 50s.

years. The highly specific curation of this collection also allows us to examine the unique relationship between Murano glass and America. Finally, the history of the secondary market for Murano glass is subtly embedded here. What follows is a brief exploration of these themes, and others, all present in this landmark collection.

In short order Bianconi became interested in color, and the chromatic effects of glass as subject matter. Drawing inspiration form Carlo Scarpa’s work at Venini in the 40s, Bianconi designed a number of related series of in rapid succession, all of which employed the use of colorful tesserae and glass canes including the vibrant Pezzato or Patchwork series. Executed by Venini’s great master blower

During the first half of the 20th century, Murano glass could be described

Boboli (Arturo Biasutto) these Patchwork vases would become emblematic of

as an entirely European phenomenon. Presented at international exhibitions,

Venini’s production in the 1950s. More than this, the Pezzati stand as testament

works from Venini, Barovier and other major glassworks were specifically

to Bianconi’s genius as a designer—composed of varied arrangements of

designed to appeal to an aesthetically progressive, culturally sophisticated

colorful glass tesserae, the design concept and process of construction ensured

European audience. Vases, bowls and sculptural objects were offered as tasteful

that each piece would exist as a unique work of art. The dynamic optical effect of

accents for elegant modernist environments. These objects were, for the most

these objects, combined with the feeling of individuality that they project, would

part, made in relatively small numbers and presented as fine examples

resonate deeply with the American audience. In fact, one color combination

of the creative virtuosity of their companies, most of whom made their real

(yellow, amber, green and black) was cannily named the Americano series.

income through the production of lighting for large architectural projects.

Bianconi’s Pezzati, along with other series created during this seminal period

While postwar Murano glass shares much in common with prewar glass,

including Fasce, A Spicchi and Con Macchie elevated Venini’s production to a

its differences are due, in no small part, to the influence of America. Drawing

new artistic level. With their vibrant colors and patterns, and subtly biomorphic

inspiration from Abstract Expressionist painting, Op-Art and graphic design,

shapes, these pieces were imbued with the glamour of contemporary art and

the vivid colors and strong patterns of postwar Murano glass were fresh, lively,

fashion of the postwar years. And it was precisely at this moment when Venini’s

enthusiastic and appealed to a young and more diverse audience. A more daring

ambitions, Bianconi’s designs, and the intentions of the American government

use of experimental techniques, along with biomorphic and asymmetrical

all came together in spectacular fashion.

shapes, also became part of the postwar Murano glass oeuvre as designers began to reconsider the potential of the vessel as a work of art.

Concerned with rise of communism in postwar Europe, the American government identified Italy as particularly vulnerable. To that end, the HIH

However, it took the genius of Paolo Venini to realize the potential for Murano

or House of Italian Handicrafts was formed in 1947. This privately owned and

glass in postwar America, and act upon it. Venini’s vision for his company had

operated company was founded to import and promote Italian handicrafts in

always been international—as a lawyer from Milan who traveled in the most

the US (and capitalism in Italy). In 1950, the Italy at Work project was initiated

elevated artistic and cultural circles he was well aware of the most recent trends

by the HIH. Italy at Work was a museum exhibition which toured the US

in European taste and aesthetics and built his company with these in mind.

visiting twelve cities between 1950 and 1953, with simultaneous shows of identical

He was perhaps the first to employ modern advertising and branding to

work staged in host city department stores. Some 2500 objects were selected

promote Murano glass, and his company was certainly the first to intentionally

for the exhibitions and these included glass, ceramics, furniture, lighting,

appeal to “modern” taste, as Murano glass had always been defined by its own

textiles and other hand-made arts. Of the several Italian glass manufacturers

historical and cultural standards.

represented, Venini was most prominently exhibited and was clearly presented

Understanding that Europe was busy rebuilding its infrastructure in the immediate postwar years, Paolo Venini looked toward America and

as the industry leader. In this way Venini became identified as the preeminent name in Murano glass.

After the great success of Italy at Work, Venini glass, and Murano glass in

blowers recognized that this transformation was taking place, and decided

general, became well received and well represented throughout the United

to either allow foreign students to study with them, or to leave Murano all

States. During the 1950s numerous exhibitions were staged featuring the best

together—Lino Tagliapietra was the most famously intrepid of these daring

designers and manufacturers from Murano including Venini, Barovier and

masters who risked reputation, life, and limb to keep Murano’s traditions

Toso, Seguso Vetri d’ Art and Aureliano Toso. In addition, prominent American

and skills alive outside Murano.

department stores began to carry dedicated lines of Murano glass. In San Francisco, Gumps began a long-term relationship with Barovier and Toso.

At Venini in the 1970s, a new era began in which visiting American artists would regularly hold residencies. Dale Chihuly, Dick Marquis and Toots Zynsky

Existing as counterbalance to the international modernism of Venini, the

all studied and worked at Venini during this period and learned techniques that

Barovier firm had roots that could be traced back to the 15th century. As owner

they would share and disseminate throughout their long careers.

and principal designer of the company for almost 50 years, Ercole Barovier was a force majeure, both as an entrepreneur and artist. Designing thousands of models during his tenure, Ercole was particularly adept at combining traditional Murano glassblowing techniques with contemporary trends in art and design. From the late 20s until his retirement in 1972, he produced an astonishing array of award winning designs and series. During the postwar period, he too focused on strong colors and graphic patterning. But unlike the free-form designs of Bianconi, his compositions were sharply linear, geometric and highly structured. This approach, combined with his choice of elegant, simplified forms, created visually powerful glass vessels and objects of lasting appeal. The Intarsio series is perhaps Ercole Barovier’s penultimate postwar creation. Composed of often brightly colored triangular shaped tesserae, these pieces are the modernist descendants of the famous murrine vessels designed by Ercole, his brother Niccolo and uncle Giuseppe in the 1920s. As such, the Intarsia are excellent examples of Ercole’s ability to repurpose materials, techniques, ideas and designs from his family’s long history and adapt them to contemporary taste. Beyond this, the Intarsia have a visceral, archetypal appeal which continues to feel timeless in every sense. The work of Dino Martens for Aureliano Toso is also significant in the history of postwar Murano glass. His dramatic use of exploded imagery, cane fragments, and spiral pinwheels executed in bright colors and asymmetrical forms was undoubtedly informed by American Ab-Ex painting and in some ways anticipated the imagery and brio of psychedelic art. The Eldorado and Oriente series in particular have become icons of 50s design and together form the outer-edge of postwar Murano glass. By the mid-1960s Murano Glass and America had formed a deeply symbiotic relationship, but the social and political chaos of the era would alter this relationship in deep and lasting ways. During the early 1970s there is a marked decline in the technical and design quality of Murano glass. One can partially account for this through the collapse of the medieval guild system, where child apprentices would enter into life-long service at the glass furnaces. After the cultural revolution of the 60s, young Venetians seemed less inclined to enter into this professional arrangement. During the 70s, many young master

But the real revolution that took place in Murano glass the in the 70s was a post-modern one—the rise of scholarship and research and the creation of relevant historical narratives in the field of 20th century Murano glass. During this period a new generation of scholars, dealers and collectors would emerge who, over the next four decades, would define the history of the field and establish a secondary market. The architect, student of Carlo Scarpa, and artist Franco Deboni played a pivotal role in the post-modern renaissance of Murano Glass. His work as a dealer, scholar and author established the mold from which all others in the field would emerge. By the early 1980s a small but vibrant secondary market for Murano glass was firmly established. In New York the seminal Fifty/50 Gallery was at the center of the action. Founded by Mark Isaacson, Mark MacDonald and Ralph Cutler, Fifty/50 would gain international fame as the ultimate showcase for postwar decorative arts and design—a field that had largely been ignored since the early 70s. Their show of Murano Glass in 1984, Venini & the Murano Renaissance, Italian Art Glass of the 1940s and 50s is still considered by many to be the first and most important of its kind. Accompanied by an elegant catalog with fine essays by Alexandra Anderson, William Warmus, and Mark Isaacson, the Fifty/50 show drew international attention to the field. A second landmark show was held in New York at the Muriel Karasik Gallery in 1989. Not only did this show present a world class collection of 20th century Murano glass, it also introduced the world to the genius of American artist Thomas Stearns, who documented his historic residency at Venini from 1960 to 1962 in an epic and heartfelt essay included in the exhibition catalog. As the 1990s began, both Americans and Europeans were well on their way to establishing world class collections, many of which would re-appear at auction during our present decade. As each of these collections is documented and presented to the public, it enters into the historical record, and the future history of postwar Murano glass continues to be written and rewritten.

venini glass and the works of fulvio bianconi

100

F ULV I O B I A NC O N I A Rete vase, model 4228

Italy, 1950 | Venini | 5 w × 3 ¾ d × 18 h in (13 × 10 × 46 cm)

iridized glass with white lattimo netting Signed with three-line acid stamp to underside: [Venini Murano Italia]. $ 20,000 – 30,000 Literature: Fulvio Bianconi at Venini, Barovier and Sonego, pg. 148 illustrates model Provenance: Private Collection, Germany | Private Collection, Chicago

101

F ULV I O B I A NC O NI Bikini vase, model 4333

Italy, c. 1950 | Venini | 5 ½ w × 4 d × 13 ¼ h in (14 × 10 × 34 cm)

transparent glass with blue and lattimo applications Signed with three-line acid stamp to underside: [Venini Murano Italia]. $ 30,000 – 40,000 Literature: Fulvio Bianconi at Venini, Barovier and Sonego, pg. 158 illustrates model Venini Glass: Catalogue 1921–2007, Deboni, fig. 190 illustrates model Provenance: Private Collection, Chicago

102

F ULV I O B I A NC O NI Pezzato vase, model 4319

Italy, 1952 | Venini | 5 ¼ w × 3 ½ d × 14 ¼ h in (13 × 9 × 36 cm)

polychrome patchwork glass Signed with three-line acid stamp to underside: [Venini Murano Italia]. $ 9,000 – 12,000 Literature: Fulvio Bianconi at Venini, Barovier and Sonego, pg. 181 illustrates model Provenance: Private Collection, Chicago

103

F ULV I O B I A NC O NI Pezzato vase, model 4319

Italy, 1952 | Venini | 5 ½ w × 3 ¾ d × 14 ¼ h in (14 × 10 × 36 cm)

104

F ULV I O B I A NC O NI Pezzato vase, model 1329 Italy, c. 1951 | Venini | 6 dia × 9 ¼ h in (15 × 23 cm)

polychrome patchwork glass Signed with three-line acid stamp to underside: [Venini Murano Italia]. $ 7,000 – 9,000 Literature: Fulvio Bianconi at Venini, Barovier and Sonego, pg. 181 illustrates model Provenance: Private Collection, Chicago

105

F ULV I O B I A NC O NI Fasce Orizzontale vase, model 4226 Italy, 1953 | Venini | 6 ¼ dia × 12 ¾ h in (16 × 32 cm)

glass with polychrome bands Signed with three-line acid stamp to underside: [Venini Murano Italia]. $ 10,000 – 15,000 Literature: Fulvio Bianconi at Venini, Barovier and Sonego, pg. 261 illustrates model I Vetri di Fulvio Bianconi, Bossaglia, pl. 66 illustrates similar example Provenance: Galerie Plaisance, Paris | Private Collection, Paris Wright, Important Italian Glass, 8 June 2013, Lot 206 | Private Collection, Chicago

106

F ULV I O B I A NC O N I Fasce Orizzontale vase Italy, c. 1953 | Venini | 6 ½ dia × 7 ½ h in (17 × 19 cm)

glass with polychrome bands Signed with three-line acid stamp to underside: [Venini Murano Italia]. $ 7,000 – 9,000 Literature: Fulvio Bianconi at Venini, Barovier and Sonego, pg. 261 illustrates model Provenance: Private Collection, Chicago

107

F ULV I O B I A NC O NI Pezzato vase, model 3984 Italy, c. 1955 | Venini | 4 ½ dia × 8 ¾ h in (11 × 22 cm)

polychrome patchwork glass Signed with foil manufacturer’s label to underside: [Venini Murano]. Signed with three-line acid stamp to underside: [Venini Murano Italia]. $ 7,000 – 9,000 Literature: Fulvio Bianconi at Venini, Barovier and Sonego, pg. 185 illustrates model Provenance: Sotheby’s, New York | Private Collection, Chicago

108

F ULV I O B I A NC O N I Pezzato vase, model 4397

Italy, c. 1951 | Venini | 6 ½ w × 5 ½ d × 7 h in (17 × 14 × 18 cm)

polychrome patchwork glass Signed with three-line acid stamp to underside: [Venini Murano Italia]. $ 9,000 – 12,000 Literature: Fulvio Bianconi at Venini, Barovier and Sonego, pg. 185 illustrates model Provenance: Private Collection, Germany | Private Collection, Chicago

109

F ULV I O B I A NC O NI prototype Pezzato vase, model 905 L64 Italy, 1962 | Venini | 4 ¼ dia × 8 ½ h in (11 × 22 cm)

polychrome patchwork glass This work is a prototype sample used to illustrate this form in the Pezzato technique. It was acquired directly from the Venini showroom and never went into production. $ 10,000 – 15,000 Provenance: Venini, Murano, Italy | Private Collection, Chicago

110

F ULV I O B I A NC O NI Pezzato bowl, model 4914 Italy, 1952 | Venini | 7 w × 6 d × 3 ¼ h in (18 × 15 × 8 cm)

polychrome patchwork glass Signed with round three-line acid stamp to underside: [Venini Italia Murano]. $ 4,000 – 6,000 Literature: Fulvio Bianconi at Venini, Barovier and Sonego, pg. 181 illustrates model Provenance: Private Collection, Chicago

111

F ULV I O B I A NC O NI Pezzato vase, model 4402

Italy, c. 1955 | Venini | 4 ½ w × 3 ½ d × 7 ¾ h in (11 × 9 × 20 cm)

polychrome patchwork glass Signed with three-line acid stamp to underside: [Venini Murano Italia]. $ 6,000 – 8,000 Literature: Fulvio Bianconi at Venini, Barovier and Sonego, pg. 185 illustrates model Provenance: Private Collection, Chicago

112

F ULV I O B I A NC O NI Pezzato vase, model 1329 Italy, c. 1955 | Venini | 6 ½ dia × 9 ½ h in (17 × 24 cm)

113

F ULV I O B I A NC O NI Rare Pezzato vase, model 3541 Italy, 1951 | Venini | 4 ¼ w × 4 ¼ d × 9 h in (11 × 11 × 23 cm)

triangular polychrome patchwork glass with murrine Signed with three-line acid stamp to underside: [Venini Murano Italia]. $ 25,000 – 35,000 Literature: Fulvio Bianconi at Venini, Barovier and Sonego, pg. 188 illustrates model Provenance: Private Collection, Germany | Private Collection, Chicago

bianconi scozzese vase

This rare Scozzese vase is part of a small group of vessels designed by Bianconi in the mid-1950s. The shape of the vase was achieved using an unusual mold blowing technique called A Fermo. This particular arrangement of interwoven, multi-color glass bands and threads was described as Fascie Reticello Multicolori on the period furnace drawing. As one of only a few examples known, this extremely rare vase demonstrates Bianconiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s willingness to experiment with atypical sculptural forms and techniques.

114

F ULV I O B I A NC O NI Important Scozzese vase, model 4595 Italy, 1959 | Venini | 4 ¾ w × 4 d × 10 ½ h in (12 × 10 × 27 cm)

polychrome glass bands and lattimo threads $ 100,000 – 150,000

Literature: Fulvio Bianconi at Venini, Barovier and Sonego, pg. 289 illustrates model Le Verre Venini, Deboni, pl. 139 illustrates technique Provenance: Private Collection, Germany | Private Collection, Chicago

115

F ULV I O B I A NC O NI Pezzato vase, model 1329

Italy, c. 1951 | Venini | 5 w × 4 ½ d × 8 ½ h in (13 × 11 × 22 cm)

polychrome patchwork glass Signed with partial three-line acid stamp to underside: [Venini Murano Italia]. $ 7,000 – 9,000 Literature: Fulvio Bianconi at Venini, Barovier and Sonego, pg. 187 illustrates model Provenance: Private Collection, Germany | Private Collection, Chicago

116

F ULV I O B I A N CONI Fasce Verticale vase, model 4470 Italy, c. 1951 | Venini | 7 ½ w × 6 ¼ d × 9 h in (19 × 16 × 23 cm)

glass with vertical polychrome bands Signed with circular three-line acid stamp to underside: [Venini Italia Murano]. $ 7,000 – 9,000 Literature: Fulvio Bianconi at Venini, Barovier and Sonego, pg. 204 illustrates similar model Provenance: Private Collection, Chicago

117

F ULV I O B I A NC O N I Fasce Ritorte vase, model 4410 Italy, 1951 | Venini | 5 ¼ dia × 8 h in (13 × 20 cm)

glass with diagonal polychrome bands $ 6,000 – 8,000

Literature: Fulvio Bianconi at Venini, Barovier and Sonego, pg. 280 illustrates model Provenance: Private Collection, Chicago

118

F ULV I O B I A NC O NI Fasce Verticale, model 4317 Italy, 1952 | Venini | 4 ¼ dia × 9 ¼ h in (11 × 23 cm)

glass with vertical polychrome bands Signed with three-line acid stamp to underside: [Venini Murano Italia]. $ 7,000 – 9,000 Literature: Fulvio Bianconi at Venini, Barovier and Sonego, pg. 205 illustrates model Provenance: Private Collection, Chicago

119

G I O P O NT I A Canne pitcher

Italy, c. 1959 | Venini | 5 ¼ w × 3 ½ d × 7 h in (13 × 9 × 18 cm)

glass with polychrome canes $ 4,000 – 6,000

Literature: Glas Glass Verre Vetri 1950–1960 I, Neuwirth, pg. 213 illustrates similar example Provenance: Private Collection, Chicago

120

G I O P O NT I A Canne vase

Italy, c. 1955 | Venini | 5 dia × 6 ¾ h in (13 × 17 cm)

glass with polychrome canes Signed with three-line acid stamp to underside: [Venini Murano Italia]. $ 4,000 – 6,000 Literature: Glas Glass Verre Vetri 1950–1960 I, Neuwirth, pg. 213 illustrates similar example Provenance: Private Collection, Chicago

121

F ULV I O B I A NC O NI A Spicchi vase, model 4316

Italy, 1950 | Venini | 7 ¾ w × 3 ½ d × 8 ¼ h in (20 × 9 × 21 cm)

internally decorated transparent glass with red and blue triangular tesserae Signed with three-line acid stamp to underside: [Venini Murano Italia]. $ 15,000 – 20,000 Literature: Fulvio Bianconi at Venini, Barovier and Sonego, pg. 178 illustrates model Vetri di Murano, Bestetti, pg. 172 illustrates similar example Provenance: Private Collection, Germany | Private Collection, Chicago

122

F ULV I O B I A NC O NI Fasce Orizzontale vase, model 4399 Italy, 1951 | Venini | 2 ¼ dia × 11 ½ h in (6 × 29 cm)

glass with polychrome bands Signed with three-line acid stamp to underside: [Venini Murano Italia]. $ 3,000 – 5,000 Literature: Fulvio Bianconi at Venini, Barovier and Sonego, pg. 201 illustrates model Provenance: Private Collection, Chicago

123

F ULV I O B I A NC O NI Fasce Orizzontale vase, model 4315 Italy, 1951 | Venini | 3 ½ dia × 13 ¼ h in (9 × 34 cm)

glass with polychrome bands Signed with three-line acid stamp to underside: [Venini Murano Italia]. $ 5,000 – 7,000 Literature: Fulvio Bianconi at Venini, Barovier and Sonego, pg. 200 illustrates model Provenance: Private Collection, Chicago

124

F ULV I O B I A NC O NI Fasce Verticale vase, model 4409 Italy, 1951 | Venini | 3 ½ dia × 11 ¾ h in (9 × 30 cm)

glass with vertical polychrome bands Signed with three-line acid stamp to underside: [Venini Murano Italia]. Signed with partial paper manufacturer’s label to underside: [Venini Murano in Italy 4409]. $ 8,000 – 10,000 Literature: Fulvio Bianconi at Venini, Barovier and Sonego, pg. 206 illustrates model Provenance: Private Collection, Chicago

125

F ULV I O B I A NC O NI Bi-Pezzato vase, model 4318 Italy, c. 1950 | Venini | 6 ¼ dia × 10 ¼ h in (16 × 26 cm)

polychrome patchwork glass Signed with three-line acid stamp to underside: [Venini Murano Italia]. $ 8,000 – 10,000 Literature: Fulvio Bianconi at Venini, Barovier and Sonego, pg. 179 illustrates model Provenance: Private Collection, Chicago

126

F ULV I O B I A NC O NI Fasce Verticale bottle, model 4404 Italy, c. 1951 | Venini | 5 w × 4 ¾ d × 17 h in (13 × 12 × 43 cm)

glass with vertical polychrome bands $ 20,000 – 30,000

Literature: Fulvio Bianconi at Venini, Barovier and Sonego, pg. 207 illustrates model Provenance: Marina Barovier, Venice | Private Collection, Chicago

pezzato americano series

127

F ULV I O B I A NC O NI Pezzato Americano vase, model 4398 Italy, c. 1955 | Venini | 4 ¼ w × 4 ½ d × 9 ¼ h in (11 × 11 × 23 cm)

amber, yellow, black and green glass tesserae Signed with three-line acid stamp to underside: [Venini Murano Italia]. $ 7,000 – 9,000 Literature: Fulvio Bianconi at Venini, Barovier and Sonego, pg. 183 illustrates model Provenance: Private Collection, Chicago

128

F ULV I O B I A NC O NI Pezzato Americano vase, model 4393 Italy, c. 1955 | Venini | 4 dia × 10 ¾ h in (10 × 27 cm)

129

F ULV I O B I A NC O NI Pezzato Americano vase, model 4397 Italy, c. 1951 | Venini | 7 ¾ w × 6 d × 8 h in (20 × 15 × 20 cm)

amber, yellow, black and green glass tesserae Signed with three-line acid stamp to underside: [Venini Murano Italia]. $ 9,000 – 12,000 Literature: Fulvio Bianconi at Venini, Barovier and Sonego, pg. 185 illustrates model Provenance: Private Collection, Chicago

130

F ULV I O B I A NC O N I Pezzato Americano vase, model 4406 Italy, c. 1955 | Venini | 4 ¼ w × 3 ½ d × 9 h in (11 × 9 × 23 cm)

amber, yellow, black and green glass tesserae Signed with three-line acid stamp to underside: [Venini Murano Italia]. $ 6,000 – 8,000 Literature: Fulvio Bianconi at Venini, Barovier and Sonego, pg. 184 illustrates model Provenance: Private Collection, Chicago

131

F ULV I O B I A NC O NI Rare Pezzato Americano vase, model 3541 Italy, 1950 | Venini | 3 ½ w × 3 ½ d × 8 ¾ h in (9 × 9 × 22 cm)

triangular amber, yellow, black and green glass tesserae Signed with paper manufacturer’s label to underside: [Venini Murano Venezia Made in Italy]. Signed with three-line acid stamp to underside: [Venini Murano Italia]. $ 25,000 – 35,000 Literature: Fulvio Bianconi at Venini, Barovier and Sonego, pg. 188 illustrates model Provenance: Private Collection, Germany | Private Collection, Chicago

132

F ULV I O B I A NC O NI Pezzato Americano vase, model 4912 Italy, 1951 | Venini | 4 ½ w × 4 ¼ d × 5 h in (11 × 11 × 13 cm)

amber, yellow, black and green glass tesserae Signed with three-line acid stamp to underside: [Venini Murano Italia]. $ 4,000 – 6,000 Literature: Fulvio Bianconi at Venini, Barovier and Sonego, pg. 187 illustrates model Provenance: Private Collection, Michigan | Wright, Modern Design, 28 March 2013, Lot 358 Private Collection, Chicago

133

F ULV I O B I A NC O N I Pezzato Americano bowl

Italy, c. 1955 | Venini | 6 w × 4 ½ d × 4 ¼ h in (15 × 11 × 11 cm)

amber, yellow, black and green glass tesserae Signed with three-line acid stamp to underside: [Venini Murano Italia]. $ 3,000 – 5,000 Provenance: Private Collection, Chicago

134

F ULV I O B I A NC O NI Fasce Ritorte Americano vase, model 4410 Italy, 1951 | Venini | 5 dia × 8 ½ h in (13 × 22 cm)

diagonal bands of amber, yellow, black and green glass Signed with three-line acid stamp to underside: [Venini Murano Italia]. $ 7,000 – 9,000 Literature: Fulvio Bianconi at Venini, Barovier and Sonego, pg. 280 illustrates model Provenance: Private Collection, Chicago

135

F ULV I O B I A NC O N I Fasce Verticale Americano vase Italy, c. 1950 | Venini | 4 ¼ dia × 10 ¾ h in (11 × 27 cm)

glass with vertical amber, yellow, black and green bands Signed with three-line acid stamp to underside: [Venini Murano Italia]. $ 8,000 – 10,000 Provenance: Private Collection, Chicago

136

F ULV I O B I A NC O NI Monumental Fasce Verticale vase, model 4403 Italy, 1952 | Venini | 6 dia × 14 ¼ h in (15 × 36 cm)

transparent glass with vertical polychrome bands Signed with three-line acid stamp to underside: [Venini Murano Italia]. $ 10,000 – 15,000 Literature: Fulvio Bianconi at Venini, Barovier and Sonego, pg. 205 illustrates model Provenance: Private Collection, Germany | Private Collection, Chicago

137

F ULV I O B I A NC O N I Rare Pezzame vase, model 4394 Italy, 1950 | Venini | 5 ¼ dia × 10 ½ h in (13 × 27 cm)

internally decorated glass Signed with three-line acid stamp to underside: [Venini Murano Italia]. $ 9,000 – 12,000 Literature: Fulvio Bianconi at Venini, Barovier and Sonego, pg. 179 illustrates model I Vetri Di Fulvio Bianconi, Bossaglia, pl. 35 illustrates similar example Provenance: Christie’s East, An Important Private Collection of Italian Glass, 30 November 2000, Lot 54 Private Collection | Wright, Important Italian Design, 23 May 2006, Lot 564 | Private Collection, Chicago

138

F ULV I O B I A NC O NI Con Macchie vase, model 4325 Italy, 1950 | Venini | 7 ¾ dia × 8 ¾ h in (20 × 22 cm)

internally decorated glass Signed with three-line acid stamp to underside: [Venini Murano Italia]. $ 50,000 – 70,000 Literature: Italian Glass: Murano-Milan 1930–1970, Ricke and Schmitt, pg. 102, no. 73 illustrates similar example Fulvio Bianconi at Venini, Barovier and Sonego, pg. 188 illustrates model Provenance: Private Collection, Chicago

baldwin kingrey con macchie vase

This Fulvio Bianconi Con Macchie vase has an interesting and very

“Harry and I went to Murano to talk to Venini. We had seen examples of his

specific provenance — it belonged to Kitty Baldwin Weese, a founding partner

work at one to the international exhibitions. I think we were the only ones

of Baldwin Kingrey, the groundbreaking shop and gallery for modern art

importing him at the time.” — Kitty Baldwin

and design which opened in Chicago in 1947. The following is reprinted from author John Brunetti’s book, Baldwin Kingrey, Midcentury Modern in Chicago, 1947 – 1957, and describes the genesis of Baldwin Kingrey, the shop’s relationship to Venini glass, and includes a poignant description of the work of designer Fulvio Bianconi: During the summer of 1947 a retail furniture store called Baldwin Kingrey opened in Chicago. Its low-cost, space-saving modern furniture from Scandinavian and American designers was urgently needed by ex-GI’s and their families as they faced housing shortages. The store’s founders — architect Harry Weese, his wife Kitty Baldwin, and their partner Jody Kingrey sold out their first shipment of furniture before Baldwin Kingrey had officially opened, affirming their instincts about the value of good design at affordable prices. However, even they couldn’t foresee the art and design nexus Baldwin Kingrey would become, elevating it beyond a simple commercial enterprise. From 1947 to 1957 it was an informal gathering place and exhibition space for leading architects, designers, and artists of the time, such as Charles Eames, Eero Saarienn, Harry Bertoia, György Kepes, James Prestini, and Arthur Siegel. The contributions of these individuals defined good design in the second half of the 20th century. From 1947 through the early 1950s, Baldwin Kingrey played a role in introducing the American middle class to the avant-garde glass work of (these) European companies — objects that had, up to that time, been seen primarily in magazines such as Domus and in traveling museum exhibitions and international competitions. The elegant pieces that punctuated Baldwin Kingrey’s glass shelves were often discovered through personal relationships with designers cultivated by Harry and Kitty on their regular trips to Europe in the late 1940s and early 1950s. The colorful abstract vases and glasses imported from Venini came to Baldwin Kingrey as a result of a meeting with the company’s founder, Paolo Venini:

Venini’s introduction to Harry and Kitty could not have been more timely. The lawyer-turned entrepreneur had ambitiously expanded the market for his company’s glass outside of Europe since the 1920s. His friendship with the Weeses led to the introduction of his wares to American retail consumers and helped launch the remarkable success of Venini glass beginning in the early 1950s. During this period Venini glass was distinguished by a bold, painterly use of color that evoked the gestures of abstract painting. Several of the more distinctive designs sold by Baldwin Kingrey were created by the Italian graphic artist and designer Fulvio Bianconi. Bianconi’s fresh approach to glass eschewed traditional delicacy for muscular, thick-walled vessels that incorporated the imperfections of improvisational processes, in much the same way abstract expressionist painters created their compositions. Bianconi’s three signature designs included the flask-shaped Spicchi, named for the triangular segments that decorate its surface; the Macchie vase, named for the dark purple stains that create a graphic silhouette against clear glass; and the rectangular Pezzato vases, decorated with squares of rich color. These Venini pieces transcend their utilitarian function to become small works of modern art for the home. Today it is extremely unusual to discover a rare Bianconi Con Macchie vase with such a direct and illustrious provenance. Perhaps the most graphic and abstract of all Bianconi’s Macchie vases, this piece is truly a masterwork of 20th century art and design.

139

F ULV I O B I A NC O NI Important Con Macchie vase, model 4324 Italy, 1950 | Venini | 10 ½ w × 6 d × 9 ¼ h in (27 × 15 × 23 cm)

glass with abstract internal decoration and lightly iridized surface Signed with three-line acid stamp to underside: [Venini Murano Italia]. $ 90,000 – 120,000 Literature: Baldwin Kingrey: Midcentury Modern in Chicago 1947–1957, Brunetti, pg. 104 illustrates this example Fulvio Bianconi at Venini, Barovier and Sonego, pg. 119 illustrates model Murano ‘900, Deboni, pg. 296 illustrates model Provenance: Estate of Kitty Baldwin Weese, Chicago | Wright, Important 20th Century Design, 25 September 2005, Lot 270 | Private Collection, Chicago

140

F ULV I O B I A NC O NI Pezzato vase, model 4402

Italy, 1965–70 | Venini | 4 ¼ w × 3 ¾ d × 8 ½ h in (11 × 10 × 22 cm)

polychrome patchwork glass Incised signature to underside: [Venini Italia]. $ 5,000 – 7,000 Literature: Fulvio Bianconi at Venini, Barovier and Sonego, pg. 185 illustrates model Provenance: Christie’s, Rockefeller Center, Twentieth Century Decorative Arts, Lot 8617 Private Collection, Chicago

141

F ULV I O B I A NC O NI A Spicchi vase, model 4890

Italy, 1965–70 | Venini | 7 w × 6 ½ d × 7 ½ h in (18 × 17 × 19 cm)

glass with polychrome bands Incised signature to underside: [Venini Italia]. $ 4,000 – 6,000 Literature: Fulvio Bianconi at Venini, Barovier and Sonego, pg. 302 illustrates model Provenance: Private Collection, Chicago

142

F ULV I O B I A NC O N I A Spicchi vase, model 4892 Italy, c. 1954–57 | Venini | 5 dia × 8 h in (13 × 20 cm)

glass with polychrome bands Signed with three-line acid stamp to underside: [Venini Murano Italia]. $ 4,000 – 6,000 Literature: Fulvio Bianconi at Venini, Barovier and Sonego, pg. 301 illustrates model Provenance: Private Collection, Chicago

143

F ULV I O B I A NC O NI A Spicchi bowl, model 4896

Italy, 1965–70 | Venini | 7 ¼ w × 6 ¼ d × 5 ¼ h in (18 × 16 × 13 cm)

glass with polychrome bands Incised signature to underside: [Venini Murano]. $ 3,000 – 5,000 Literature: Fulvio Bianconi at Venini, Barovier and Sonego, pg. 304 illustrates model Provenance: Galerie Plaisance, Paris | Private Collection, Paris | Wright, Important Italian Glass, 8 June 2013, Lot 222 | Private Collection, Chicago

144

F ULV I O B I A NC O N I A Spicchi pitcher

Italy, c. 1954–57 | Venini | 4 ½ dia × 9 ½ h in (11 × 24 cm)

glass with polychrome bands Signed with three-line acid stamp to underside: [Venini Murano Italia]. $ 3,000 – 5,000 Literature: Fulvio Bianconi at Venini, Barovier and Sonego, ppg. 294–305 illustrate series Provenance: Private Collection, Chicago

145

F ULV I O B I A NC O NI A Spicchi vase, model 4891 Italy, c. 1950 | Venini | 5 ¼ dia × 14 ¼ h in (13 × 36 cm)

glass with polychrome bands Signed with applied foil manufacturer’s label to underside: [Venini S.A. Murano]. $ 5,000 – 7,000 Literature: Fulvio Bianconi at Venini, Barovier and Sonego, pg. 301 illustrates model Provenance: Private Collection, Chicago

146

PA O L O V E NI NI Zanfirico Mosaico vase

Italy, 1954 | Venini | 4 ¾ dia × 13 ½ h in (12 × 34 cm)

internal decoration with alternating glass canes Signed with three-line acid stamp to underside: [Venini Murano Italia]. $ 8,000 – 10,000 Literature: Murano ‘900, Deboni, pg. 74 illustrates similar example Provenance: Private Collection, Chicago

147

PA O L O V E NI NI Zanfirico Mosaico vase

Italy, 1954 | Venini | 3 ½ dia × 14 h in (9 × 36 cm)

internal decoration with alternating glass canes Signed with three-line acid stamp to underside: [Venini Murano Italia]. $ 8,000 – 10,000 Literature: Venini: Catalogue Raisonné 1921–1986, Diaz de Santillana, fig. 58 illustrates similar example Provenance: Private Collection, Chicago

148

T O B I A SC A R PA Occhi vase

Italy, c. 1960 | Venini | 4 ¾ w × 4 ½ d × 6 h in (12 × 11 × 15 cm)

fused glass murrine Incised signature to underside: [Venini Murano]. $ 4,000 – 6,000 Literature: Gli Artisti Di Venini Per Una Storia Del Vetro D’Arte Veneziano, Bettagno, pg. 151 illustrates similar example Provenance: Private Collection, Chicago

149

T O B I A SC A R PA Occhi vase

Italy, c. 1960 | Venini | 6 w × 4 ½ d × 8 h in (15 × 11 × 20 cm)

fused glass murrine Signed with a circular two-line acid stamp to underside: [Venini Murano]. $ 5,000 – 7,000 Literature: Le Verre Venini, Deboni, pl. 165 illustrates similar examples Provenance: Private Collection, Chicago

150

T O B I A SC A R PA Occhi vase

Italy, c. 1960 | Venini | 4 ¾ dia × 5 ¼ h in (12 × 13 cm)

fused glass murrine Signed with three-line acid stamp to underside: [Venini Murano Italia]. $ 3,000 – 5,000 Literature: Le Verre Venini, Deboni, pl. 165 illustrates similar examples Provenance: Private Collection, Chicago

151

T O B I A SC A R PA Occhi vase

Italy, c. 1960 | Venini | 5 ½ dia × 6 h in (14 × 15 cm)

fused glass murrine Signed with a circular two-line acid stamp to underside: [Venini Murano]. $ 3,000 – 5,000 Literature: Le Verre Venini, Deboni, pl. 166 illustrates similar examples Provenance: Galleria Rossella Junck, Venice | Private Collection, Chicago

important murrine works from venini

152

C A R L O SC A R PA Important A Murrine Opache plate Italy, 1962 | Venini | 12 ¼ w × 9 ½ d × 2 h in (31 × 24 × 5 cm)

fused glass murrine with wheel-carved surface $ 40,000 – 60,000

Provenance: Marina Barovier, Venice | Private Collection, Chicago

153

PA O L O V E NI NI Canoa, model 4884

Italy, 1959 | Venini | 13 w × 3 ½ d × 2 ¼ h in (33 × 9 × 6 cm)

fused glass murrine with wheel-carved surface $ 15,000 – 20,000

Literature: I Vetri Venini, Deboni, pl. 156 illustrates similar example Venini: Catalogue Raisonné 1921–1986, Diaz de Santillana, ppg. 207, 284 illustrate similar example Provenance: Private Collection, Chicago

154

T O B I A SC A R PA A Murrine plate

Italy, c. 1959 | Venini | 10 dia × 1 ¼ h in (25 × 3 cm)

fused glass murrine with wheel-carved surface $ 20,000 – 30,000

Literature: Venini Glass: Catalogue 1921–2007, Deboni, pl. 174 illustrates similar example Provenance: Private Collection, Chicago

155

PA O L O VE NINI A Murrine plate

Italy, 1953 | Venini | 12 dia × 1 ¼ h in (30 × 3 cm)

fused glass murrine Signed with partial paper manufacturer’s label to underside: [Venini Murano Made in Italy 3778]. Signed with three-line acid stamp to underside: [Venini Murano Italia]. $ 30,000 – 40,000 Literature: Venini Glass: Catalogue 1921–2007, Deboni, fig. 144 illustrates similar example Le Verre Venini, Deboni, pl. 155 illustrates similar example Provenance: Marina Barovier, Venice | Private Collection, Chicago

156

C A R L O SC A R PA A Murrine plate

Italy, 1954 | Venini | 15 ½ w × 9 ¾ d × 2 ½ h in (39 × 25 × 6 cm)

fused glass murrine with wheel-carved surface Signed with paper manufacturer’s label to underside: [Venini Murano Venezia Made in Italy]. $ 15,000 – 20,000 Literature: Venetian Glass: The Nancy Olnick and Giorgio Spanu Collection, The American Craft Museum, ppg. 69–67 illustrate similar example Provenance: Private Collection, Chicago

157

F ULV I O B I A NC O NI Sasso vase, model 711

Italy, 1965 | Venini | 5 ¼ w × 4 ¾ d × 4 ½ h in (13 × 12 × 11 cm)

red pasta di vetro with wheel-carved sapphire glass Signed with partial paper manufacturer’s label to underside: [Venini Murano Venezia Made in Italy]. $ 15,000 – 20,000 Literature: Fulvio Bianconi at Venini, Barovier and Sonego, pg. 501 illustrates model Provenance: Barry Friedman, New York | Private Collection, Chicago

158

PA O L O V E NI NI A Murrine bowl

Italy, 1954 | Venini | 5 ¼ dia × 8 h in (13 × 20 cm)

fused glass murrine Signed with three-line acid stamp to underside: [Venini Murano Italia]. $ 7,000 – 9,000 Literature: Gli Artisti Di Venini Per Una Storia Del Vetro D’Arte Veneziano, Bettagno, pg. 128, pl. 173 Provenance: Private Collection, Chicago

159

PA O L O V E NI NI A Murrine bowl

Italy, c. 1959 | Venini | 5 dia × 3 ½ h in (13 × 9 cm)

fused glass murrine Signed with partial paper manufacturer’s label to underside: [Venini Murano Venezia Made in Italy]. $ 3,000 – 5,000 Literature: Gli Artisti Di Venini Per Una Storia Del Vetro D’Arte Veneziano, Bettagno, pg. 128, pl. 173 Provenance: Barry Friedman, New York | Private Collection, Chicago

thomas stearns la sentinella di venezia

thomas stearns american artist in venice Jim Oliveira

In recent years, much has been written about Thomas Stearns and his famous

biomorphic, a true departure from Murano’s unspoken naturalism, more radical,

residency at Venini from 1960 to 1962. It is now a matter of record that his

and coming from a place of creative enthusiasm and relative innocence, even

radically asymmetrical vessels drew violent public criticism from Venini’s

naiveté. But this has always been the great strength of American art and artists:

venerable master blower, Arturo Biasutto, that the young master blower

free to face the creative void unburdened by the demands of culture and history.

“Checco” Ongaro came to Stearns’ aid and worked furtively after-hours to produce a visionary group of experimental objects, that the best of these were ultimately exhibited at the Biennale of Venice and won the gold medal, and that this award was rescinded after the judges realized Stearns was an American.

Originally conceived as a three element installation, only two of the Sentinels survive today (the third was destroyed in transport and exists only as a fragment). As the last works created by Stearns at Venini, the Sentinels are a final outpouring of admiration, fantasy, pain, love and veneration, and are

Stearns’ creations at Venini, most of which are unique, all of which were made

therefore appropriately composed of all the elements and techniques for which

through great difficulty and with experimental techniques, have become objects

Murano’s craftsmen have become famous—complex glass canes, murrine,

of veneration for American artists and collectors, and rightfully so—not only are

vivid opaque and smoky transparent colors, etching, carving and amazingly

these rare, beautiful and interesting, they also reflect a pivotal moment in the

difficult hot-work manipulation.

history of art and design. And at the center of it all and as his final creations at Venini, we find La Sentinella di Venezia.

To say that La Sentinella di Venezia is rare, or important, or a masterwork is far less than sufficient. This work is certainly the greatest work by Stearns ever to

The Sentinel of Venice is a sculpture, not a vase, and an incredibly abstract and

come to market and perhaps the most important piece of glass ever created at

conceptual one at that. Today this might not seem particularly significant, but

Venini. Beyond that, the Sentinel represents the most ambitious and pure type

in 1962, the very year in which the American studio art glass movement began,

of artistic creation of which humans are capable. Stearns said it best himself:

the creation of this conceptual sculpture at Venini was a statement of almost reckless individuality, and at the same time a tribute to a thousand years of glassmaking in Venice as seen through the eyes of an American visionary artist.

“All my artistic endeavors have been based on responses, which is to say they are products of my experience and inner feelings. Implicit in this is the sense that any individual with an open receptive mind’s eye can move though any

By all accounts, Stearns’ time at Venini was difficult, emotionally traumatic,

aesthetic media without a fear of artistic self-delusion. It seems to me that

and artistically challenging. His initially maligned asymmetrical forms were

any artis tic endeavor should move freely and at will. This concept is not

in fact carefully considered sculptural objects—an ambitious blend of historical

merely a fleeting notion, but reflects a continuum of self-purpose. Mediums

reference, late abstract expressionist vigor, Pop-Art, and direct personal

become vehicles, and a variety of vehicles make for a variety of realms. Each

narrative. The Capello del Doges are a fine example of this; more conceptual than

conceives and brings about the existence of a not yet inhabited domain.”

160

T H O M A S ST E A R NS La Sentinella di Venezia

Italy, 1962 | Venini | 6 w × 4 ¾ d × 22 h in (15 × 12 × 56 cm)

fused, incised and free blown glass with inlay, murrine and vertical inciso work Incised signature and date to underside: [Sentinella di Venezia II Stearns 62]. This work is one of two examples remaining from the series of three. The other example resides in the Olnick Spanu collection. $ 300,000 – 500,000 Literature: Venini Glass: Catalogue 1921–2007, Deboni, pl. 319 illustrates this exampleThe Venetians: Modern Glass 1919–1990, Muriel Karasik Gallery, ppg. 52, 54 illustrate other example Venetian Glass: The Nancy Olnick and Giorgio Spanu Collection, The American Craft Museum, pg. 71 illustrates other example Provenance: Collection of the artist | Christie’s, New York, Important 20th Century Decorative Arts, Including Arts & Crafts and Architectural Designs, 7 December 2001, Lot 475 | Private Collection, Chicago

the facades of venice recollections of my residency in venice, 1960 – 1 962 By Thomas Stearns

Under the aegis of the Italian Government’s Post Graduate Award Fellowship

had been in painting with a side interest in possible new directions in the

(for research in Glass and Fiber), which was accompanied by a Fulbright Travel

use of fibers as fine art media. Also, I must add that I knew only a few words

Grant, I went to Italy in 1960. I was 24, having just completed graduate work

of Italian, and there were only two persons at Venini who spoke English,

at the Cranbrook Academy of Art. It was left to me to set up whatever working

the director and his secretary. At best my ability to communicate verbally

arrangements I wanted to have in Italy as an artist.

in Italian was extremely meager, and did not improve appreciably. However,

I headed for Venice and arrived there early in the evening of November 1st, 1960. The passeggiata (walk) I took my first night in Venice decided for me

I was fortunate to work with a glass master (“Checco” Ongaro) with whom I developed an uncanny and very successful non-verbal rapport.

that whatever work I was to do while there would be a tribute to the magic

It was decided that I would start out by observing the glass masters as they

and mystery of Venice that was manifest on that singular night. That evening

worked, to familiarize myself with their techniques and the process of working

was a genuinely significant event for me with far reaching consequences,

with glass at Venini. The furnace room glassworkers were informed to expect

which are now, even years later, felt deeply. I am not the first person to be

my presence as an observer, and I spent every day of my first few weeks

spellbound by the place, and my guess is that the gods have something

at the factory, from early morning to closing. I moved from one work station

similar in store for more people yet to come.

(glass master’s bench) to another watching the differing projects and different

Soon after arriving in Venice, I arranged an interview with Ludovico de Santillana; the new director of Venini Glass on the nearby island of Murano.

processes. The workmen had no clear idea what I was doing there… and, looking back on it now, at the time I don’t think I really knew either!

The avant garde work that the firm’s founder, Paolo Venini, had fostered

The furnace room would close by midafternoon, and I would move on

was what occasioned my interest in seeking the firm’s opinion of my modest

to another department, say, the grinding room, to watch what was going

efforts in glass done in the U.S.

on there; and then on I’d go elsewhere.

I had known of the work of Paolo Venini and long considered him the most

During those first weeks, I also spent time at the Glass Technical Research

advanced and avant garde colored art glass artist of Murano. However, soon

Center, which was not far from the factory. The Center had a small museum

before I was to leave for Italy I was saddened to learn that this unique man

with examples of Greek and Roman glass as well as a good library. I looked

had died, and that I would not be able to meet him.

through many of the picture books to “see what had been done in glass”.

The interview with de Santillana, held in early December of 1960, was met with

By the end of the second week, a most marvelous and magical process

favor. My presentation consisted solely of my experiments in two dimensional

commenced within my aesthetic-conceptual mind’s eye: idea upon idea

fused glass, which I had done at Cranbrook, that were planned as windows.

for blown objects began to appear in my vision, not particularly from what

Apparently Venini had been interested in developing similar techniques

I had recently been seeing, but rather from what I had observed as “ mistakes”,

for architectural applications, and he wanted to see what may be possible for

“mishaps” and “blunders”. The goal that I felt crystallizing within me was

the firm in that area. Speaking about what I might do at Venini, de Santillana

an aspiration to explore new directions and concepts in blown glass (rather

directed me to include commercial considerations in at least some of the work

than two-dimensional work).

I undertook at Venini, along with whatever aesthetic ventures I might choose.

My not knowing the language prompted me to make working drawings

The direction that I actually took (three-dimensional forms) was quite

with a format much like that of a comic strip. Each of the drawings or “frames”

different, however, from the work we initially presumed I would be doing.

depicted what I conjectured to be the various sequential steps needed to

When I left Venini I was struck by that irony.

fabricate the piece I wanted to attempt. Also, I began making scale models

I came to Venini with no previous knowledge of or experience in blown glass. There was very little going on in the United States in glass at that time, and, frankly, I had no particular interest in three dimensional forms. My education

in clay of the proposed pieces, which I hoped would speak visually for themselves. These were my only form of communication, since I was not able to verbally explain my ideas.

Following the Christmas holidays, I approached the director with a series

My meeting with him that afternoon was a mute one. As he looked at my

of drawings and a clay model and asked permission to undertake my first

frameby-frame drawings, he drew a question mark in the air over one

adventure in free blown glass. He directed me to the Venini’s grand master,

of them and then quickly signaled a switch between two others, thereby

Maestro “Boboli”.

suggesting an alternative to the procedure I was proposing for making the

I arrived early that morning in the furnace room, carrying my clay model and drawings. The Maestro was involved in completing a piece, and, knowing that he had been advised to expect me, I waited quietly until he had finished. When he finished with what he was doing, he looked at my clay model and drawings, stood up and commenced a tirade in Italian. The entire furnace room went silent. He finished and with a gesture of his hand waved me away. Not understanding a word of what had been said, but feeling his anger, I simply stood there bewildered. I thought to myself: “My drawings make sense, the model makes sense. Why the problem?” The room remained silent, every one staring at me. I had never experienced such embarrassment before… or since! I picked up my model and drawings and left the room. De Santillana was away, so I went to his secretary to relate what had just occurred. In turn, she sent for one of the workmen to get an explanation of the incident. Upon hearing his report, she went silent and pale, staring at me. I told her that I knew that what she had to say to me was not good news, but that I wanted her to explain to me exactly what she had been told. This is how she explained what the grand master had said: “For weeks you have stood over us like a bird. We have worked for centuries to create a perfect symmetry in glass. Now you bring your ideas, which have no symmetry, to insult us. You don’t speak our language, either in Italian or in glass. Go away!” Thanking her, I went upstairs to my studio to think. Not long afterwards the secretary knocked at my door with a message for me from “Checco” Ongaro, who was at that time the youngest glassblower at Venini to be granted status as a glass master and who, as “Boboli’s” apprentice, would later come to replace him. (I recalled that as I had been showing my proposed piece to the Grand Maestro, I had sensed that the young master to “Boboli’s” left had glanced up several times at my drawings and model as he continued working). She said that the young Maestro would like to meet with me that afternoon after the workmen had gone for the day, and to kindly bring my clay model and drawings. I agreed and she relayed my reply to him, “Checco”.

piece. Understanding his thinking, I agreed. As we were “talking”, his helpers suddenly arrived. Smiling, he said something to me in Italian and motioned for us to move to the work bench. (Later I had someone translate what he had said to me: “Let’s give this weird bird a try!”). Even though the glass batching is considered “bad” (stringy) by late in the afternoon and certainly not ideal for making such a form as I was proposing, he began. He worked with clear glass, and on the fourth attempt he achieved a form which was a reasonable facsimile of my model. The pieces would be available the next morning after annealing, and I arrived back at 5:30 a.m. to carry them to my studio. When de Santillana returned he was informed of what had happened, both with Maestro “Boboli” as well as with the young Maestro, “Checco”. The grand master stayed away from the factory two days in response to learning about his former apprentice’s success in completing the form that I was after. When I showed de Santillana those first pieces that had been made, he saw promise in them. Since the Grand Master would obviously have none of it, I was asked which of the other masters I would like to work with. I was not hesitant: it would be “Checco”. My presence in the furnace room was extremely confusing for the workmen. Class lines were very rigid, and although they had worked with designers such as the Italian architect Carlo Scarpa, they had had no previous experience with an outsider being brought into their midst as I had been. Titles and jobs precluded much intermixing, and for a young American artist to work alongside them was a disconcertingly new experience. Although I was both a special guest of the firm as well as of the Italian Government (by virtue of my fellowship ), and, as far as they were concerned, in a class above them, my actions contradicted that higher station. I was in the furnace room every day, sweat soaked as they were, and yet I would have lunch with the director at his separate table and then go to his office for espresso and cognac afterwards to discuss my ideas. But then back to the furnace room for more sweating. I would change from my work clothes at the end of the day

and frequently be seen leaving the island for Venice in the director’s private

Alvar Aalto, who had been a long-time friend of Paolo’s, and Tapio Wirkkala,

launch rather than using public transportation. A lot of mixed class messages,

Finnish designer, were in Venice for an international design conference. They

and very confusing, indeed.

visited the Venini factory and de Santillana showed them some of my work.

Initially the workers acknowledged me only with a circumspect nod of the head, but later I found myself greeted by “Bongiorno, Professori” or “Maestro Professori”. Even though they knew I didn’t speak Italian, they sensed

I didn’t happen to be there when they visited and de Santillana later related to me that they were most supportive of my efforts. This was obviously a blessing, because I was given his “go ahead” to do anything I wished.

(rightly so) that I enjoyed a sense of humor, and by the second year I was nick-

By the second year, I was really into it: endless ideas, countless flops along with

named “Tommaso Sternini”. This later jokingly evolved into my being dubbed

the successes. There was an ongoing awareness of no end of possibilities and

“Sternini di Venini”. I was included in their after work gatherings at the local

of as yet unexplored techniques. It was a time of great zeal and accomplishment

bar for wine, bread and “sea snacks”, and bonds of true friendship developed

within my life.

amongst several of us.

The Venini firm chose to present six of my works as their entry for the XXXI

Once it became apparent to the workers that my designs were producing

Biennial in 1962. I was asked to choose six works that I felt to be a statement

results pleasing to the director, human nature what it is, it wasn’t unusual for

of my efforts in glass. I arranged the pieces in a mockup of the case in which

individuals to offer their assistance with my projects, and something of a “band

they would be shown and the works were delivered to the Venice pavilion

wagon” atmosphere ensued. There was a sense of anticipation about what new

on the Biennial grounds.

things I would think up for them to try, which for many was a welcome break in the tedium of their routine jobs.

Prior to the opening of the exhibition, the director received a call (I happened to be in his office at the time) from the firm’s St. Mark’s Square showroom with

I now fully realize the serendipity of events surrounding my work at

a message: the panel of judges had awarded the Gold Medal for Glass to the six

Venini. Paolo Venini’s death had left the firm virtually bereft of a designer;

Venini works, and they wanted to know the designer’s name (it was obvious

my own naiveté and eagerness to explore the medium led me into zealous

to them that the six pieces had been done by one designer). De Santillana

experimentation; and the young Maestro Francesco “Checco” Ongaro’s own

summoned the Venini launch, and off we went to the pavilion, wondering

efforts to prove his abilities led him to stick out his neck by collaborating with

amongst other things whether the pieces had been placed in the case as

me. The timing was just right making germane a situation of exploration and

I had specified.

accomplishment. We each saw it as an opportunity for ourselves... and we all leapt in.

When we arrived we saw a glob of glue on the case... but no Gold Medal. Back at the factory, de Santillana placed a call to the judges and was told (as he later

As the first year moved into the second, it became very obvious to “Checco”

related to me) that when the panel had learned that a non-Italian had designed

and myself that we were working as a unit together. He never knew what I might

the works, they retracted the medal on the basis that it would have been

bring down from my studio as a new challenge for him, and his eyes were always

unprecedented for a nonItalian to receive the award.

bright with expectation as I approached his bench. The more the challenge, the greater intensity of his effort. It is obvious to me that I could never have accomplished what I did at Venini without this very special silent understanding of one another.

After my first year, which was supported by the Italian Government grant, I was retained for a year by Venini as Resident Guest Designer, my salary being paid by the firm. I was the first person to hold that position. At the end of the second year I was asked to stay on a similar basis as Resident Guest Designer, but I chose not to remain. My decision to leave Venini and any work with glass was based on the decision to concentrate my efforts on the fiber sculpture media that I was evolving at that time. I had been making some fiber pieces on my own while I was there, and was very excited by the prospect of what new ground I might break with that medium.

Before leaving, I had ordered that one piece (an experiment of a new technique)

and we subsequently met in New York a number of times to work out the details

should be destroyed. It was not; however, for several years later I encountered

of the contract. I was placed on a retainer by de Santillana, and I arranged

it in a Venini showroom In New York City. Upon inspecting the object,

for a sabbatical leave from my teaching duties. However, our agreement

I found the Venini stamp and inquired about its history. I was told that it was

was altered at the last minute in ways that I found unacceptable, and I very

a “collector’s item” done by an American designer. I smiled upon leaving,

regretfully refused to go.

thanked the person and thought to myself “What irony!”

After the collapse of arrangements for new works for Venini, in 1981 I prepared

During the course of my stay at Venini a total of three pieces did not reappear

a group of drawings for a limited edition in crystal to present to Steuben Glass.

from the annealing oven. We had our suspicions that they had been stolen.

Mr. Huston was no longer with Steuben, and I had an interview with the new

One vivid recollection I have is of de Santillana and myself being invited to lunch at the villa of a countess on the mainland. I was struck by the uniqueness and elegance of the set of drinking glasses on our table ( I was later to learn that they were Byzantine… “My God! What if I had broken one of them?!”). My response to seeing/beholding them was to concentrate my efforts on designing glasses that would be similarly singular and timeless as those appeared to me to be: how optimistic! From the outset, Madame Venini did not condone my presence as a designer at her late husband’s firm, and was reputed to have called the colors I used in my work “colori triste” (sad colors). Venini was quite well known for its lighting fixtures. Handsome as they were, from my view they were “decorative,” which I don’t mean derogatorily. I simply decided to attempt to evolve a small group of lamps that could exist more as aesthetic objects in themselves. I also wanted in some way to incorporate

director, whose name I do not recall. Our meeting was a brief one. He looked at the drawings and listened to my description of the new techniques I intended to explore. Basically he said three things in response: that I couldn’t draw, that the works would be very costly, and that my work was “too individual.” To the contrary, however, I truly feel that those pieces would have been a most splendid offering. All my artistic endeavors have been based on responses, which is to say they are products of my experience and inner feelings. Implicit in this is the sense that any individual with an open and perceptive mind’s eye can move to and through any aesthetic media without a fear of artistic self-delusion. It seems to me that any artistic endeavor should move freely at will. This concept is not merely a fleeting notion, but reflects a continuum of self-purpose. Mediums become vehicles, and a variety of vehicles make for a variety of realms. Each conceives and brings about the existence of a not yet inhabited domain.

the Venetian tradition of mirroring in that group. Since I left Venini I have not worked with glass. James Huston, then design director of Steuben Glass, who had seen my Biennial group, contacted me soon after I returned to the United States, asking if I would be interested in doing a limited edition of crystal pieces for them. At that time I was not interested in the offer, because of my steadfast

A bright Autumn Moon… In the Shadow of Each Grass An insect chirping. —Buson

commitment to pursuing my new fiber sculpture media. During the opening reception of the new Venini showroom in New York City in the late 70s, de Santillana presented me with an offer to return to Venini to create a limited edition series. The series would be numbered and signed by me as an entirely new collection. My response was immediately positive,

161

T H O M A S ST E A R NS vase

Italy, 1961 | Venini | 3 ¾ dia × 15 h in (10 × 38 cm)

incalmo glass with spiral decoration Signed with applied foil manufacturer’s label to underside: [Venini S.A. Murano]. Signed with three-line acid stamp to underside: [Venini Murano Italia]. $ 8,000 – 10,000 Literature: I Vetri Venini, Deboni, pl. 171 illustrates similar example Venini Glass: Catalogue 1921–2007, Deboni, pl. 236 illustrates similar example Provenance: Private Collection, Chicago

162

T H O M A S ST E A R NS Doppio Incalmo vase with double opening Italy, 1965 | Venini | 5 ¾ w × 5 d × 3 ½ h in (15 × 13 × 9 cm)

incalmo glass Incised signature to underside: [Venini Italia]. $ 30,000 – 40,000 Literature: I Vetri Venini, Deboni, pl. 172 illustrates similar example The Venetians: Modern Glass 1919–1990, Muriel Karasik Gallery, pg. 51 illustrates similar example Provenance: Private Collection, Chicago

163

T H O M A S ST E A R NS Cappello del Doge vase

Italy, c. 1962 | Venini | 5 ½ w × 5 ¼ d × 5 ¾ h in (14 × 13 × 15 cm)

incalmo glass Signed with three-line acid stamp to underside: [Venini Murano Italia]. Signed with foil manufacturer’s label: [Caliari Venini Torino]. $ 50,000 – 70,000 Literature: Venetian Glass: The Nancy Olnick and Giorgio Spanu Collection, The American Craft Museum, pg. 216 illustrates similar example I Vetri Venini, Deboni, fig. 170 illustrates similar example Provenance: Galerie Plaisance, Paris | Private Collection, Paris | Wright, Important Italian Glass, 8 June 2013, Lot 230 | Private Collection, Chicago

the postwar glass of ercole barovier

164

E R C O L E B A R O V I E R Oriente vase

Italy, 1940 | Barovier & Toso | 4 ¼ w × 4 ¼ d × 12 ½ h in (11 × 11 × 32 cm)

internally decorated glass with silver leaf $ 10,000 – 15,000

Literature: Ercole Barovier 1889–1974: Vetraio Muranese, Dorigato, pg. 68 illustrates series Provenance: Private Collection, Germany | Private Collection, Chicago

165

E R C O L E B A R O V I E R Murrino vase

Italy, 1948 | Barovier & Toso | 4 ¾ dia × 9 ¾ h in (12 × 25 cm)

amethyst and white murrine with gold leaf Ercole Barovier was awarded the gold medal at the Triennale of Milan in 1948 for his Murrino series. Although this series was never put into production, it marked a return to the use of murrines and the fused-glass method. $ 10,000 – 15,000 Literature: Art of the Barovier: Glassmakers in Murano 1866–1972, Barovier, pg. 152 illustrates technique Provenance: Galerie Plaisance, Paris | Private Collection, Paris | Wright, Important Italian Glass, 8 June 2013, Lot 113 | Private Collection, Chicago

166

E R C O L E B A R O V I E R Saturneo vase

Italy, 1951 | Barovier & Toso | 7 ½ dia × 7 ¾ h in (19 × 20 cm)

glass murrines with white lattimo canes and gold leaf $ 8,000 – 10,000

Literature: Il Vetro di Murano alle Biennali 1895–1972, Barovier, Barovier Mentasti and Dorigato, pg. 67 illustrates similar example Provenance: Private Collection, Chicago

167

E R C O L E B A R O V I E R Eugeneo ewer

Italy, 1951 | Barovier & Toso | 7 w × 5 ¾ d × 7 ¾ h in (18 × 15 × 20 cm)

iridized glass $ 4,000 – 6,000

Provenance: Private Collection, Chicago

168

E R C O L E B A R O V I E R Ambrati ewer

Italy, 1956 | Barovier & Toso | 6 ½ w × 5 d × 11 h in (17 × 13 × 28 cm)

internally decorated glass Signed with partial paper manufacturer’s label to underside: [Barovier & Toso Murano 21348 Made in Italy]. $ 7,000 – 9,000 Literature: 20th Century Murano Glass, Heiremans, pg. 132 Ercole Barovier 1889–1974: Vetraio Muranese, Dorigato, pg. 100 illustrates series Venetian Art Glass: An American Collection 1840–1970, Barovier, pg. 152 illustrates similar example Provenance: Private Collection, Chicago

169

E R C O L E B A R O V I E R Millefili vase

Italy, 1956 | Barovier & Toso | 8 dia × 11 ¾ h in (20 × 30 cm)

alternating tesserae with opalino and clear glass bands $ 10,000 – 15,000

Literature: Art Glass from Murano: 1910–1970, Heiremans, pg. 55 illustrates series Provenance: Private Collection, Chicago

170

E R C O L E B A R O V I ER Millefili vase

Italy, 1956 | Barovier & Toso | 4 dia × 10 ¾ h in (10 × 27 cm)

alternating tesserae with opalino and clear glass bands $ 8,000 – 10,000

Literature: Art Glass from Murano: 1910–1970, Heiremans, pg. 55 illustrates series Provenance: Private Collection, Chicago

171

E R C O L E B A R O V I E R Tesserae bowl

Italy, 1957 | Barovier & Toso | 7 ¼ dia × 3 ½ h in (18 × 9 cm)

glass tesserae, iridized transparent glass Incised signature and date to underside: [Ercole Barovier 1957]. $ 7,000 – 9,000 Literature: Art of the Barovier: Glassmakers in Murano 1866 – 1972, Barovier, pg. 174 illustrates similar example Provenance: Christie’s, South Kensington, Important Design, 14 June 2000, Lot 54 | Private Collection Wright, Important Italian Design, 23 May 2006, Lot 572 | Private Collection, Chicago

172

E R C O L E B A R O V I E R Bi-Pezzato vase

Italy, 1956 | Barovier & Toso | 7 ¼ dia × 7 h in (18 × 18 cm)

internally decorated glass tesserae, transparent glass $ 10,000 – 15,000

Literature: Murano ‘900, Deboni, pg. 37 illustrates similar example Provenance: Marina Barovier, Venice | Private Collection, Chicago

173

E R C O L E B A R O V I ER Pezzato vase

Italy, c. 1950 | Barovier & Toso | 5 dia × 16 h in (13 × 41 cm)

lattimo tesserae $ 10,000 – 15,000

Literature: Art of the Barovier: Glassmakers in Murano 1866–1972, Barovier, pg. 171 illustrates series Provenance: Private Collection, Chicago

174

E R C O L E B A R O V I E R Pezzato vase

Italy, 1956 | Barovier & Toso | 4 dia × 10 ¼ h in (10 × 26 cm)

lattimo tesserae $ 6,000 – 8,000

Literature: Ercole Barovier 1889–1974: Vetraio Muranese, Dorigato, pg. 139 illustrates technique Provenance: Private Collection, New York | Wright, Modernist 20th Century, 6 June 2004, Lot 229 Private Collection, Chicago

175

E R C O L E B A R O V I E R Bicolori vase

Italy, 1967 | Barovier & Toso | 4 ½ dia × 12 ½ h in (11 × 32 cm)

alternating glass tesserae $ 8,000 – 10,000

Literature: Ercole Barovier 1889–1974: Vetraio Muranese, Dorigato, pg. 142 illustrates series Provenance: Private Collection, Chicago

176

E R C O L E B A R O V I E R Pezzato vase

Italy, c. 1950 | Barovier & Toso | 5 dia × 9 h in (13 × 23 cm)

alternating glass tesserae Signed with manufacturer’s label to underside: [22305 Made in Italy]. $ 6,000 – 8,000 Literature: The Venetians: Modern Glass 1919–1990, Muriel Karasik Gallery, pg. 43 illustrates this example Provenance: Private Collection, Chicago

177

E R C O L E B A R O V I E R Pezzato vase

Italy, c. 1950 | Barovier & Toso | 6 dia × 10 ½ h in (15 × 27 cm)

alternating glass tesserae $ 7,000 – 9,000

Literature: Art of the Barovier: Glassmakers in Murano 1866–1972, Barovier, pg. 171 illustrates series Provenance: Private Collection, Chicago

178

E R C O L E B A R O V I E R Pezzato vase

Italy, c. 1956 | Barovier & Toso | 6 ¼ dia × 8 ½ h in (16 × 22 cm)

alternating glass tesserae $ 10,000 – 15,000

Literature: Art of the Barovier: Glassmakers in Murano 1866–1972, Barovier, pg. 171 illustrates series Provenance: Private Collection, Chicago

179

E R C O L E B A R O V I E R A Spina vase

Italy, 1958 | Barovier & Toso | 6 ¾ dia × 8 ½ h in (17 × 22 cm)

glass tesserae edged in amethyst Incised signature to underside: [Barovier & Toso Murano]. $ 6,000 – 8,000 Literature: Art of the Barovier: Glassmakers in Murano 1866 – 1972, Barovier, pg. 180 illustrates technique Provenance: Private Collection | Wright, Modern Design, 29 March 2012, Lot 327 Private Collection, Chicago

180

E R C O L E B A R O V I E R A Spina vase

Italy, 1958 | Barovier & Toso | 4 ¾ dia × 13 ¾ h in (12 × 35 cm)

glass tesserae edged in amethyst $ 7,000 – 9,000

Literature: Venini & the Murano Renaissance: Italian Art Glass of the 1940s & 50s, Cutler, Isaacson and McDonald, pl. 54 illustrates technique Provenance: Galleria Rosella Junck, Venice, Italy | Private Collection, Chicago

181

E R C O L E B A R O V I E R Argo bowl

Italy, 1959 | Barovier & Toso | 7 ¼ dia × 3 ¼ h in (18 × 8 cm)

glass with overlapping canes $ 4,000 – 6,000

Literature: Ercole Barovier 1889–1974: Vetraio Muranese, Dorigato, pg. 106 illustrates technique Il Vetro di Murano alle Biennali 1895–1972, Barovier, Barovier Mentasti and Dorigato, pg. 91 illustrates series Provenance: Galerie Plaisance, Paris | Private Collection, Chicago

182

E R C O L E B A R O V I E R Argo vase, model 2251

Italy, 1959 | Barovier & Toso | 4 ¼ dia × 12 h in (11 × 30 cm)

glass with overlapping canes Signed with applied paper distributor’s label to underside: [Barovier & Toso 2251 Made in Italy]. $ 8,000 – 10,000 Literature: Ercole Barovier 1889–1974: Vetraio Muranese, Dorigato, pg. 106 illustrates technique Provenance: Private Collection, New York | Wright, Modernist 20th Century, 6 June 2004, Lot 228 Private Collection, Chicago

183

E R C O L E B A R O V I E R Alterni vase

Italy, 1958 | Barovier & Toso | 6 dia × 7 ¼ h in (15 × 18 cm)

alternating glass tesserae $ 10,000 – 15,000

Literature: Ercole Barovier 1889–1974, Marsilio Editori, pg. 140 illustrates technique Provenance: Private Collection | Wright, Modernist 20th Century, 6 June 2004, Lot 226 Private Collection, Chicago

184

E R C O L E B A R O V I E R Dorico Corniola vase

Italy, 1960 | Barovier & Toso | 5 ¼ dia × 5 ¼ h in (13 × 13 cm)

fused glass tesserae $ 4,000 – 6,000

Literature: Ercole Barovier 1889–1974: Vetraio Muranese, Dorigato, pg. 108 illustrates similar example Provenance: Galerie Plaisance, Paris | Private Collection, Paris | Wright, Important Italian Glass, 8 June 2013, Lot 145 | Private Collection, Chicago

185

E R C O L E B A R O V I E R Dorico Corniola vase

Italy, 1960 | Barovier & Toso | 4 dia × 11 ½ h in (10 × 29 cm)

fused glass tesserae $ 10,000 – 15,000

Literature: Ercole Barovier 1889–1974: Vetraio Muranese, Dorigato, pg. 108 illustrates similar example Provenance: Private Collection, Germany | Private Collection, Chicago

186

E R C O L E B A R O V I E R Egeo bowl

Italy, 1960 | Barovier & Toso | 6 dia × 5 h in (15 × 13 cm)

fused glass tesserae $ 5,000 – 7,000

Literature: Art of the Barovier: Glassmakers in Murano 1866–1972, Barovier, pg. 188 illustrates similar example Provenance: Private Collection, Chicago

187

E R C O L E B A R O V I E R Dorico Aquamare bowl

Italy, 1960 | Barovier & Toso | 8 ¼ dia × 4 ½ h in (21 × 11 cm)

fused glass tesserae $ 4,000 – 6,000

Literature: Ercole Barovier 1889–1974: Vetraio Muranese, Dorigato, pg. 109 illustrates technique Murano 900, Deboni, pg. 136 illustrates technique Provenance: Galerie Plaisance, Paris | Private Collection, Paris | Wright, Important Italian Glass, 8 June 2013, Lot 152 | Private Collection, Chicago

188

E R C O L E B A R O V I E R Dorico Variation bowl

Italy, 1960 | Barovier & Toso | 6 ¾ dia × 3 ¼ h in (17 × 8 cm)

fused glass tesserae This work is unique. Incised signature to underside: [Ercole Barovier 1960]. $ 4,000 – 6,000 Literature: Il Vetro di Murano alle Biennali 1895–1972, Barovier, Barovier Mentasti & Dorigato, pg. 186 illustrates related forms Provenance: Galerie Plaisance, Paris | Private Collection, Paris | Wright, Important Italian Glass, 8 June 2013, Lot 147 | Private Collection, Chicago

189